International (MNN) — How do believers with creative gifts fit into the Great Commission? It’s a harder question for an artist or dancer to answer than, say, a pastor or missionary.
Global Disciples recognizes all talents and gifts are important in God’s economy to spread the Gospel! That’s why they recently teamed up with Kent Mast at Mast Film Co to produce artistic, missional short videos like their latest one, “Within Reach”.
Mast says it’s easy for creatives like himself to struggle with doubt and confusion when it comes to Kingdom calling.
(Image from “Within Reach” short video, courtesy of Global Disciples)
“I was someone who grew up really not knowing I was a creative. And I think that’s a common problem with creatives. We kind of underplay our own gifts and abilities. So it’s easy to be like, ‘My gifts, my impact, the things I’ve been given, eh, what do I have?’ And that’s really not what Jesus has for us,” Mast says.
“Whatever [gifts] He gives us, we need to be using them. And we’re invited to be using them to further the Kingdom.”
Partnering with Global Disciples has been a meaningful chance for Mast to use his gifts in film making for Jesus.
“That is so powerful that we could be given the ability to influence the heart and mind and emotions and say, ‘Wow, look at what God is doing. Look at what God is capable of. Look, this God is still here.’”
For creatives — singers, writers, artists, dancers, actors, photographers, and more — there is no useless gift in the Kingdom of God.
Mast says, “We have the most powerful message right now. How can we share that?”
(Photo courtesy of Diego Ph via Unsplash)
If you want to hone your creative craft in a way that honors your Creator, Mast has a few words of advice.
First, don’t compare your gifts to others. “As a creative, I have been invited to touch the hearts of people in a way that doesn’t look like other gifts do. So I’ve needed to be okay with that and recognize that God is still very in love with who He created me to be.”
Also, in the vein of 1 Corinthians 10:31, never stop pursuing excellence in your craft for God’s glory.
“Think about how you can use your gift to bless the heart of God, to bless the saints around the world, to challenge or encourage,” Mast says. “Just continue creating [and] make your craft something that echoes Jesus — that echoes His heart, His words, His power.”
Finally, there may be a ministry, church, or even fellow creative who needs someone with your particular gifts to help advance the Gospel. Maybe you can even partner with Global Disciples!
Mast encourages, “Find organizations [and] pray about how you can use your gifts. It’s important that your voice be developed for the Kingdom.
“You have a role to play — a huge role — because you get to be a storyteller in this grand mission.”
Header photo courtesy of Edwin Andrade via Unsplash.
